Multivariate studies in kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) using a principal component analysis approach

Abstract:

The study evaluated genetic variability induced by gamma radiation in 250 M₅ mutant lines of Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) derived from the Indira Kodo-1 variety, along with three check varieties, at the Instructional cum Research Farm, Shaheed Gundadhur College of Agriculture and Research Station, Jagdalpur, during kharif 2025. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified substantial variability, with the first Six principal components having eigenvalues greater than one and explaining 78.8% of the total variation. PC1 (22.5%) was primarily associated with grain yield per plant, biological yield per plant, grain weight per raceme, productive tillers per plant, and test weight, highlighting the importance of yield-related traits. PC2 (15.6%) was influenced by days to 50% flowering and days to maturity, PC3 (13.0%) reflected variation mainly due to productive tillers per plant, whereas PC4 (11.1%) was associated with test weight, flag leaf length, and raceme length. PC5 (8.7%) was characterized by harvest index and raceme length, while PC6 (7.9%) was mainly influenced by flag leaf width and plant height. The results confirm that gamma radiation effectively induces genetic variability in Kodo millet, with PCA serving as a robust tool to identify key traits contributing to this variability.